Press Releases

November9,2012

Every year, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) nominates individuals from Washington’s 9th Congressional District to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Congressman Smith announced that he will be accepting applications through 5pm PST, Monday, November 26, 2012.

“Every year, I have the privilege to nominate exceptional young men and women from the 9th Congressional District in Washington State to the U.S. military academies,” Smith said. “Each academy offers students unique leadership opportunities and an outstanding education.”

To apply for an nomination, a candidate must live in Washington’s current Ninth Congressional District, be between 17 and 23 years old, and be unmarried. Applicants whose parents are temporarily stationed at a military base but maintain legal residence in another state should apply to the congressional office from that district.

Each applicant must submit a completed nomination package to the district office in Tacoma by 5pm PST on November 26, 2012. For further information and a link to the application, please visit the Congressman’s Service Academy Nominations page.

November7,2012

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement on immigration reform:

“Immigration has been one of the great strengths of our nation. Skilled workers, bright minds, and dedicated individuals, and families from all over the world have come to our country because they see opportunity and a chance for a better life. The talent and hard work of those individuals has helped grow our economy and strengthen our nation.

“As we work to reform our immigration system, we must look to improve all aspects of it, including maintaining our national security priorities, making it more efficient for those trying to come here legally, and keeping families together. The time is now to comprehensively address our greater immigration system and create a more streamlined process. The piecemeal approach to fixing our immigration policy has not provided the structure our country needs.

“Immigration reform will require a deep, bipartisan commitment. I am eager to work with organizations and communities in my district and Washington State, as well as my colleagues in Congress to ensure we reform our immigration system into one that reflects our nation's values.”

October4,2012

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement on the proposed T-Mobile, MetroPCS merger:

"The proposed merger between T-Mobile and MetroPCS has the potential to improve competition in the wireless marketplace, secure many middle-class and high-tech jobs in the Puget Sound region, and solidify Washington State’s place as a leader in the telecommunications sector.

"I look forward to a thorough and efficient regulatory review of the merger and to working to ensure that appropriate policies are in place to promote growth and innovation in this and other industries."

October3,2012

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement on the Pennsylvania court ruling on Voter ID law:

“I support the recent Pennsylvania court ruling to postpone the implementation of a state law requiring strict voter identification to participate in November’s election.

"Voter ID laws in many states have the potential to disproportionately disenfranchise American seniors, youth, and minority communities. I am a proud cosponsor of the America Votes Act of 2012, introduced by my colleague Congressman Rick Larsen, that would protect American citizens’ right to vote by allowing individuals to present a signed affidavit confirming their identity, in place of photo identification.

"Congress must uphold the constitutional freedom for all citizens to vote in our elections. I will continue to work at both the federal and local levels to ensure our states have the resources necessary to ensure access to this fundamental right. “

September20,2012

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy:

“One year ago, President Obama officially repealed the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, allowing lesbian, gay, and bisexual service members to serve openly and honestly for the first time in our nation’s history. The transition over the last twelve months has been a very successful one. Our military, and country as a whole, are stronger as a result. Today, we must recognize and reflect on the significant progress we have made.

“There is still more that must be done to reach full equality in the Armed Forces. To that end, Congress must work to pass the Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act – a bill that I have spearheaded that would provide same-sex spouses of service members and veterans the same rights and benefits as their heterosexual counterparts.”